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Advocacy News

News and views on the regulatory, legislative, and political issues impacting ophthalmology in Washington, D.C., and around the United States

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New Hampshire State House
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Featured News

For the third straight year, New Hampshire ophthalmologists have successfully defended safe eye surgery.

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July 14, 2026
2027 Fee Schedule Proposes Cutting Pay to Physicians by 1.68%

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released its proposed Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for 2027. Here are the highlights based on the Academy’s analysis. The Academy will work with our advocacy partners to ensure finalized policies support our members and their patients.

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February 11, 2026
New Bill Aims to Delay Medicare Cuts to Procedures and Imaging
A bipartisan effort is underway to delay the 2.5% efficiency adjustment that could impact patient access to care.
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February 11, 2026
Key Medicare Telehealth Flexibilities and GPCI Floor Provisions Extended in 2026 Funding Bill
The legislation continues several pandemic-era telehealth flexibilities through Dec. 31, 2027.
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January 21, 2026
MedPAC Recommends 2027 Pay Boost, But Does Not Support Tying Update to Inflation Index
The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) modified previous years' recommendations but still recognizes the need for an annual payment update.
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December 10, 2025
Academy Seeks Meeting with CMS to Guide Future Medicare Policies
As the Academy fights to halt harmful Medicare policies, President Michal X. Repka sent a letter requesting a meeting with CMS leadership to get in front of future rulemaking and protect patient access to specialty care.
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December 3, 2025
How Two Controversial Medicare Policies Attack Surgical Care
The Academy’s team of health policy experts have analyzed finalized Medicare policies slated to begin Jan. 1, 2026, and outline the details of the most controversial policies. We are running out of time for Congress to act and stop these policies from harming your patients. Act today.
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November 24, 2025
CMS Finalizes 2026 2.6% Pay Increase for Hospital Outpatient Departments, ASCs
The final rule could affect about 4,000 hospital outpatient departments and 6,000 ambulatory surgical centers (ASC).
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November 19, 2025
CMS Reverses Course on NCCI Edits for Key Imaging Codes Following Academy Advocacy
The Academy's persistent and expert advocacy is securing sight saving wins for patient access to essential vision care.
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October 8, 2025
Humana to Correct Some Claim Denials Following Academy Action

The payer told the Academy it has started to correct some previously denied claims. Here is what Academy members need to know.

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A closeup photo of an intravitreal injection
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October 8, 2025
CMS Updates Guidelines on Intravitreal Injections and Modifier 25

The Academy is engaging CMS directly to resolve new inconsistencies around modifier 25 and ensure clear, accurate guidance for ophthalmology practices.